About WEI

In January 1996, a diverse group of leaders came together to formally launch a new organization. Bringing together business, government, and citizen groups to improve Wisconsin’s environment, economy and quality of life — Wisconsin Environmental Initiative was born.

The founders recognized that state and local governments, businesses, and environmental advocates often have more in common than in conflict. By bringing these groups together in programs, policy forums, and learning events, WEI focused on common values and ways to improve Wisconsin’s environment and economy.

Led by an energetic board and dedicated staff, the organization has held many policy forums over the years, covering diverse topics such as Doing Well by Doing Good, Green & Growing Strategies, Green Tier Advantage, WI Bioindustry, Quality Urban Development, Animal Agriculture, Energy and Environmental Policy, Shoreland Development, Green Building and Profit-Driven Environmental Management. World class speakers including, renowned architect Bill McDonough, Ray Anderson, CEO of Interface and green business guru Joel Makower have keynoted WEI's events and brought national and global perspectives to state concerns.

WEI's nationally recognized Green Built Home program, Main Street Green, and our work to develop sustainable tourism initiatives demonstrate that market based, affordable programs can help stakeholders evaluate their operations, set goals, and take specific actions towards environmental, social and economic sustainability.

WEI's Groundbreaking Work in 2018

Wisconsin needs a solid new direction — a green growth strategy that respects our heritage and tradition of environmental stewardship while embracing a more collaborative, practical and effective way forward. Here’s a recap and highlights of WEI’s work in 2018:

WEI Executive Director John Imes attended GreenBiz 18, the premier annual event for sustainable business leaders with more than 1,000 influential professionals from the world’s largest companies, government, and NGOs — to connect and explore successful new directions, technologies, systems and policies to build the clean economy. WisPolitics/WisBusiness highlighted John’s blog about the event for readers statewide.

WEI partnered with the Morgridge Center for Public Service Badger Volunteers to support Main Street Green initiatives and help the 100 locally-owned independent businesses on Monroe Street “Survive and Thrive” during major street reconstruction.

Groundbreaking for Green Built Home certified projects statewide in 2018 included over 2,000 homes and WHEDA low-income housing units built or remodeled to WEI’s Green Built standards.

Executive Director John Imes was quoted in a WisBusiness.com story on the possible environmental impacts of Foxconn related housing developments, new infrastructure, road expansion, and commercial construction. “The concern would be if we take the same old, low-road approach to economic growth that diminishes the environment, hurts workers and our communities.” Previously, John challenged the state and Foxconn to “Take the High Road” in a guest column published in the Wisconsin State Journal, Milwaukee Business Journal and WisPolitics/WisBusiness news sources.

WEI is one of more than 3,600 Signatories of We Are Still In a movement that represents over one-third of the U.S. population and $6.2 trillion of the U.S. economy. This major commitment to climate action and emission reduction goals includes more than 2,100 companies, many that are small or medium-sized firms, but several large Wisconsin corporations are listed, including Johnson Controls, Kohler, and Organic Valley. To see a video of company commitments, watch We Are Still In.

John served on the Baum Revision team that proposed a transformative project to restore the landmark Garver Feed Mill on Madison’s East Side as an artisan food production facility and high-profile visitor destination. The vibrant mix of uses will include an event and meeting venue, dedicated office space for local food-related and sustainable non-profits, retail/café, plus a Microlodging Showcase of up to 50 tiny (right-sized) homes. Complementing the uses will be a full array of public and educational uses including urban agriculture, outdoor conservation, and sustainable building technologies.

WEI helped distribute the Greater Madison Vision Survey to collect input on how the Capital Region should grow and develop, featuring four different futures that consider many facets of life in Madison, including transportation, roads, water, and the environment. John also serves on the Greater Madison Vision Steering Committee.

WEI attended Verge 18, a three-conference event packed with more than 2500 attendees including leaders from companies and utilities, city and regional governments, policymakers, NGOs, solution providers, and startups — all focused on finding ways to accelerate the clean economy through technology and sustainability. WisPolitics/WisBusiness news service highlighted John’s recap of each day for their readers statewide.

WEI social media posts reached over 60,000 people with 27 posts resulting in over 5,000 link clicks or post engagements, 571 likes, and 576 new followers. Check out WEI’s Facebook page available here.

2018 showed us that a more vibrant and sustainable economy for all is possible in Wisconsin, but only if we take a more collaborative, practical and effective approach moving forward... Together!

Want to support WEI? Please make a fully tax-deductible contribution as an individual donor or join WEI as a sponsor. Also, be sure to "Like" and leave comments on our social media to let us know how we're doing.

Thanks to all of our partners and sponsors for another great year!

WEI 20th Anniversary Videos

WEI 20th Anniversary Video

Video of the WEI 20th Anniversary event at the Wisconsin Union Theater